This is part of a series of persuasive essays written by Lancaster Stands Up members in support of their preferred candidates in the lead-up to Lancaster Stands Up’s People’s Caucus (Saturday, February 15 — details and RSVP here) and member endorsement vote. All LSU members are invited to submit a piece advocating for their preferred candidate. Submissions should be no longer than 600 words, should not argue with other members’ essays, and should be respectful. You must be a LSU member. (Become a LSU member here.) Submit your essay to info@lancasterstandsup.org.
I have been a fan of Elizabeth Warren’s since I saw her interviewed on the Daily Show years ago. I was impressed by her ability to explain our complicated banking system and how it led to the financial crisis in 2008. Her wit and energy were clearly on display. She is not only smart: she has that gift of teaching us about complex issues by breaking them down in simple terms we can all understand. While other candidates also have admirable traits and talents, she has the experience of taking on the corrupt banking and credit card industries. She created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau designed to protect us from the predatory practices of banks, credit card companies and other lending agencies after the financial crisis. The Republicans reviled her for this because she threatened their hold on the industry. She fought for us then and has continued to fight for every day people.
Her willingness to take on the banking industry and protect consumers clinched the decision for me. As she runs for president she has made dealing with our rampant corruption her first priority. Like her, I believe corruption destroys democracy and creates an economy and a government that works only for the wealthy few. And sadly corruption is running rampant at every level of government so much so, the American public has lost faith in many institutions. This did not happen overnight and it is not only about Trump, though his administration is one of the most corrupt in our history. It is also due to decades of the wealthy accumulating political power that serves only their interests. Most importantly, the changes Progressives want and our country needs cannot happen in this environment. Nothing can change until we address the corruption that exists in every level of government. It will destroy our nation as we know it if allowed to go on unchecked. Elizabeth Warren has many plans but her first priority on day one is to take on corruption. She has the experience to do this, the clarity of purpose to understand its importance and the persistence to keep up the fight. I believe she is the right candidate to take on this perilous moment in our history.
